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HB 2046

Requires utilities to reimburse customer losses due to power outages

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tonya Rush and 1 co-sponsor

Missouri HB 2046 would require utilities to reimburse customers for verifiable losses from power outages, with defined eligibility, calculation methods, and processing rules.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#civilpenalties #civilprocedure #utilities
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Bill Summary · HB 2046

Overview

HB 2046 (2026) from Missouri would require utilities to reimburse customers for losses incurred due to power outages. The bill seeks to shift some financial responsibility for outages from customers to utility providers, establishing a framework for calculating, approving, and paying compensation to affected ratepayers.

Purpose and intent

  • To provide monetary relief to customers who suffer direct losses as a result of power outages caused or attributable to utility service.
  • To create a formal process for determining eligibility, calculating reimbursable amounts, and delivering compensation, with the goal of reducing the financial burden on customers during outage events.

Key provisions and changes

  • Reimbursement obligation: Utilities would be required to reimburse customers for specified losses incurred during power outages. The bill would define what constitutes a compensable loss.
  • Eligible losses: The bill is expected to outline categories of losses eligible for reimbursement (e.g., spoiled food, business interruptions, medical equipment impacts, other measurable financial losses). The exact definitions and caps would be specified in the statute.
  • Calculation method: The bill would specify how losses are calculated, including any caps, depreciation, or thresholds, and whether reimbursement is based on actual documented losses or standardized amounts.
  • Documentation and proof: Customers seeking reimbursement would need to provide documentation (receipts, service notices, outage duration, etc.) demonstrating the loss and its connection to the outage.
  • Outage criteria: The bill would define what constitutes a power outage eligible for compensation (e.g., duration, reliability of service, or outages attributable to the utility’s equipment or operations).
  • Timing of payments: Timelines for submitting claims and for the utility to process and remit reimbursements would be established.
  • Dispute resolution: Provisions for appealing decisions or contesting denied claims, including any administrative processes or timelines.
  • Rates and funding: The method by which utilities’ financial exposure would be determined (e.g., measure of damages, insurance, or fund mechanisms) and any adjustments to rates or rider mechanisms to cover anticipated reimbursements.
  • Consumer protections: Safeguards to prevent abuse, including verification steps, limitations on double recovery, and procedures to handle fraudulent claims.

Who would be affected

  • Utilities: Electric service providers operating in Missouri would bear the reimbursement obligation for eligible customer losses.
  • Customers: Residential and business customers who incur verifiable losses due to outages would be eligible to file claims and receive compensation under the bill.
  • Utility regulators and departments: State bodies would oversee claims processing, compliance, and enforcement, including establishing rules for eligibility, documentation, and dispute resolution.
  • Potential ratepayers: If cost recovery is tied to utility rates or rider mechanisms, all ratepayers could indirectly bear some financial impact through adjusted tariffs or charges.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Prefiled: The bill was introduced prior to the current session, indicating initial drafting and consideration.
  • First Reading: January 7, 2026.
  • Second Reading: January 8, 2026.
  • Referred to committee: Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026, indicating the bill’s progression to a specialized committee for review and possible amendment.
  • Next steps (typical): The committee would hold hearings, possibly amend the bill, and vote to advance to the full House. If passed, it would move to the Senate for consideration and potential concurrence or amendment. Final enactment would require signature by the governor.

Additional notes

  • Co-sponsors: Marlene Terry and Tonya Rush, indicating bipartisan sponsorship support.
  • Details such as exact eligible loss categories, reimbursement caps, claim procedures, and funding mechanisms would be defined in the bill text and associated amendments. Readers should consult the latest legislative language for precise provisions.

This summary captures the bill’s core aim to mandate reimbursement for customer losses due to outages, outlining how such reimbursements would be determined, who is affected, and where the bill stands in the legislative process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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